Coordinates

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Definition of Coordinates

In a two-dimensional coordinate plane, Coordinates are the pairs of numbers which specify the position or location of a point or of an object.

More About Coordinates

Coordinates are represented by putting the ordered pairs in parentheses. For example: (x, y).

X-coordinate is the first number in an ordered pair and represents the horizontal position of an object in the coordinate plane.

Y-coordinate is the second number in an ordered pair and represents the vertical position of an object in the coordinate plane.

Video Examples: Graph on a Coordinate Plane

Example of Coordinates

The point P is eight units to the left of the Y-axis (negative direction) and is eight units below the X-axis (negative direction). So the coordinates of point P is (- 8, - 8).

Solved Example on Coordinates

Ques: Identify the coordinates of the point C from the graph.

Choices:

A. (- 5, 1)
B. (5, - 1)
C. (- 1, - 5)
D. (- 5, - 1)
Correct Answer: D

Solution:

Step 1: Start at the origin.
Step 2: The point C is 5 units to the left of the Y-axis.
Step 3: So, the X-coordinate of point C is - 5.
Step 4: Point C is 1 unit below the X-axis.
Step 5: So, the Y-coordinate of point C is - 1.
Step 6: The coordinates of the point C are (- 5, - 1).